Unit 2: ADDIE Model

The ADDIE Model is a widely recognized, structured, five-phase approach to instructional (learning) design and creating effective learning experiences. Each phase builds on the previous one, from researching needs to evaluating the effectiveness of attempts to meet them. Though usually represented as an iterative process with unidirectional flow, instructional designers can revisit each phase as necessary, often revisiting the Evaluation Phase intermittently throughout, in addition to formally treating it as its own phase at the end of the process. The key features for this model are structure, thoroughness, and learner centricity.

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***Click*** on each icon below to learn more about each phase.

***Listen*** for the narration provided in each phase.

This preliminary phase sets the stage for a meaningful and effective learning experience. In this phase, we answer targeted questions, such as:

What knowledge, skills, or attitudes (KSAs) gap(s) need to be addressed and why?
Who are our learners and what are their learning needs?
What are the learning conditions and timeframes?
What are our constraints (i.e., budget, time, resources, etc.), and how can we mitigate the impact they have on this learning experience?
What does success look like for the learning project, the learners, and the organization, and how do we measure it?

This is the phase where we ask the right questions, before we head in the wrong direction.

Analyze

Design

Develop

Implement

Evaluate

Creates the blueprint and the roadmap to outline a successful learning experience. This phase is used to determine the best strategies and delivery method(s) that align with learners' preferences and maintain learner motivation. This is also the phase for identifying evaluation methods and the supporting resources (learning management systems, media, etc.) to maximize both the user interface (UI) and the user experience (UX).

This phase is the structure that prevents us from wasting time and extensive rework later.

Once the overarching plan is developed, it's time to create the initial project version. This includes creating and/or sourcing the media and materials, then integrating them into the learning management system (LMS) or other technology-based platforms. Every piece of content that both learners and educators will interact with is created in this phase. The products from this phase will be tested via pilots and final reviews to ensure they meet learning outcomes, regulatory guidelines, and learning accessibility needs.

This phase turns the vision into reality (or at least an initial version).

The learning experience has been researched, planned, and developed; now it needs to be executed with fidelity. This is done either by the designer or another educator, using the materials created in the Develop phase. Prior to execution, learners are prepared and given initial guidance, while the educator is provided with all they need to deliver the material. During this phase, the designer provides technical and instructional support while monitoring, collecting, and assessing data to enable immediate course corrections and inform future interactions.

This phase assesses the effectiveness of the previous preparatory phases and the designer's ability and willingness to adapt their creation to stakeholders' needs.

Even though the Evaluation Phase appears as the last stage of the model, it's used to refine each phase throughout the process. Diagnostic evaluations can be used to analyze learners, while formative evaluations can be used to refine the learning experience throughout implementation. Summative evaluations using Kirkpatrick's Four Levels of Evaluation (reaction, learning, behavior, and results) will assess the effectiveness of the learning experience and report the return on investment (ROI) to stakeholders and decision-makers.

This phase is effective throughout the ADDIE process. As a phase in itself, it is not the end of the process but a segway back to other phases, initiating a cyclical process.

Implications On Instructional (Learning) Design

The ADDIE Model serves as a structured, systematic, intentional approach to instructional (learning) design. Whether it is higher learning, nonprofit organizations, corporate training, military training and education, or personal and professional development, ADDIE is one of the more predominant approaches to building learning experiences. As a popular and highly regarded model, it is imperative for instructional (learning) designers to master either a dedicated, specific phase or, preferably, the overall process. The model outlines considerations in the preparatory, execution, and follow-through of a learning project. A key component for future development is taking the traditional, unidirectional approach and incorporating greater versatility into the model, with evaluation emphasized throughout. Another key component for future development is taking the traditional model of the 1970's and test applicability to modern, technologically advanced learning environments; possibly incorporating Connectivism.

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Strengths and Limitations

ADDIE is well-established in both the Military and Civilian organization, making it easy to get a project approved by providing all supporting documents that outline the ADDIE process.
It provides a systematic, structured, and clear framework, which is valued in both the military and federal environments.

Improper analysis and/or evaluation can compound and negatively impact the entire process.
Its not ideal for the highly agile environments that don't allow time to fully engage each phase, which is a characteristic of the organization.

It can easily measure the anticipated cost of this project, which is also highly valued in this funding-constrained fiscal environment.
It's designed as an iterative approach, building in the expectation for continuous process improvement; as the organization evolves, so will the training.
Given the target audience, the emphasis on a learner-centric approach fits within the characteristics of adult learners.
It emphasises the critical need for evaluations, which will be necessary to provide reporting the ROI to organizational leaders.
It can be used for online and blended learning, the expected approach for this mini-course.

The evaluation phase can be intensive and may conflict with competing priorities in the dynamic organization.
It's a lengthier process than other models and may be more costly.
It may be slow to respond to changing priorities or expectations. This ties back to the organization being very dynamic and having to respond to changes in priorities at higher levels, like the Department of War.

Some of the things I can do to overcome these challenges are maintain adaptability, incorporate the use of SME's when conducting the Evaluation Phase, and partner with other entities to ensure the Analysis Phase is conducted thoroughly and appropriately.

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Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
I used Grammarly as a thought partner to assist with organization, spellchecking, and editing for clarity. All final ideas, content, and analysis are my own. I used Gemini to generate graphics throughout my website.

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Click Here For References and Additional Resources That Contributed To This Content

Boogaard, K. (n.d.). The ADDIE model: A beginner’s guide. GoSkills.com. https://www.goskills.com/Resources/ADDIE-model

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Covello, S. & Ritzhaupt, A.D. (2017, December 10). Analysis. ADDIE Explained.

https://pressbooks.usnh.edu/addieexplained/chapter/analysis/

DeBell, A. (2020, January 6). What is the ADDIE Model of Instructional Design? Water Bear Learning. https://waterbearlearning.com/addie-model-instructional-design/

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ELM learning. (2024). What is ADDIE? Your Complete Guide to the ADDIE Model. ELM Learning. https://elmlearning.com/hub/instructional-design/addie-model/

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Evans, L. (2022, September 9). The ADDIE Model for Instructional Design [+Pros/Cons & FAQs]. University of San Diego Online Degrees. https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/addie-model-instructional-design/

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Gardener, J. C. (2011, September 25). The ADDIE analysis phase [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZdv5lrJs4U

Gardener, J. C. (2011, September 25). The ADDIE design phase [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhLIiF9QyTo

Gardener, J. C. (2011, September 25). The ADDIE development phase [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZdv5lrJs4U

Gardener, J. C. (2011, October 8). The ADDIE implementation phase [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8yky6-P1Uw

Gardener, J. C. (2011, October 18). The ADDIE evaluation phase [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBoI0wBo4vw

Hardy, M. (2025, February 17). Unpacking the Mystery: What is the ADDIE Model and Why You Should Care. Medium. https://dorea-hardy.medium.com/unpacking-the-mystery-what-is-the-addie-model-and-why-you-should-care-437d3b76c763

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Treser, M. (2015, September 11). Getting to know ADDIE: Part 4 - implementation. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/getting-know-addie-implementation

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